Wednesday, May 25, 2016

Flexible and reliable DCS access with Thin Client terminals.

Series 500 Remote HMIs from R. Stahl HMI Systems are an ideal software and hardware package for operating current control systems in the process industry. Designed for safe and comfortable access to Emerson, Siemens, Yokogawa, Honeywell, Allen Bradley, ABB, Rockwell or Schneider control solutions, the Thin Clients are suitable for interoperation with both classic workstations as well as the ever more popular Virtual Machines (VMs).

VMs are increasingly used as host environments for control systems – especially in process plants with divergent control solutions, as they radically simplify the operation and maintenance of different systems and system generations. For one, a VM is not subject to any hardware defects, which in the case of dedicated computers may lead to problems with repairs and spare parts supply. Instead, an identically replicated system running in another VM can take over in the case of a fault. Secondly, IT capacities can be more fully exploited with virtualisation, instead of remaining underused in individual workstations.

Resource efficiency is also a guiding principle for Series 500 components in their own right: in contrast to standard PCs, these Thin Clients are limited to the features required for their intended use. The Remote HMIs are available both as touchscreen models and with keyboards, and come with displays sizes ranging from 15" to 24" (WUXGA), with resolutions from 1024 x 768 to 1920 x 1200 pixels. They have an energy-efficient LED backlight, and their extremely robust design makes them suitable for operation in temperatures from -30 °C to +55 °C (+50 °C in permanent operation). As well as in rough environments, they can also and especially be operated in clean rooms. In addition to versions for standard industrial operation, models certified according to ATEX and IECEx for operation in zone 1, 21 and 2, 22 are also available.• Stahl products are available in Ireland through Douglas Controls & Automation.